TRENTON, NJ — Nineteen states announced that they would raise their flags to full staff on Monday for the inauguration of Donald Trump, despite the national half-staff order following the death of former President Jimmy Carter. New Jersey notably declined to join the list.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has decided not to act on the notion of raising the flag in honor of Inauguration Day. The governor today announced he would also skip the inauguration ceremony, citing a snow emergency he declared this weekend.
The states, including Alabama, Florida, and Texas, cited the need to honor the incoming president as their rationale for the decision. However, the move has drawn criticism from some who see it as a breach of tradition during a period of national mourning for a former president. Carter, who passed away on January 14 at age 99, was widely celebrated for his dedication to humanitarian causes.
In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy reaffirmed his state’s commitment to keeping flags at half-staff in Carter’s honor, aligning with federal protocols issued by President Joe Biden. Other states, including New York and Pennsylvania, also indicated they would adhere to the standard period of mourning.
The divergence has amplified existing political tensions as Trump takes office for his second term, following a contentious election cycle. “This decision is not about disrespecting anyone,” said one official from a state raising the flags. “It’s about recognizing the democratic process and the peaceful transfer of power.”
Critics argue that the timing could have allowed for both observances without overlap. The clash over flag protocol underscores the deep divides across the country as the inauguration and national mourning collide.
